Beaumont residents against dams

Beaumont residents, whose community might be flooded if
one of four proposed dams on the Clutha River goes ahead, have
confirmed they are totally against the move.

Beaumont Residents Group spokesman Neville Hills said "a good
number" met on Wednesday to talk for the first time about
Contact Energy's re-releasing plans for up to four
hydro-electric dams on the river.

The power company plans to spend the rest of 2009 talking to
affected communities.

In a brief statement yesterday, Mr Hills said the group
"strongly reiterated" its wish to see no more dams on the
river.

"We would also like to support all other like-minded groups.
The view of the group is that the Clutha River is a valuable
resource as it is now."

Mr Hills said Contact had not yet communicated directly with
Beaumont residents.